U.S. Fears Iraq Won't Keep Up Rebuilt Projects

Nov 21, 2009 - BAGHDAD — In its largest reconstruction effort since the Marshall Plan, the United States government has spent $53 billion for relief and reconstruction in Iraq since the 2003 invasion, building tens of thousands of hospitals, water treatment plants, electricity substations, schools and bridges. But there are growing concerns among American officials that Iraq will not be able to adequately maintain the facilities once the Americans have left, potentially wasting hundreds of millions of dollars and jeopardizing Iraq’s ability to provide basic services to its people. The projects run the gamut — from a cutting-edge, $270 million water treatment plant in Nasiriya that works at a fraction of its intended capacity because it is too sophisticated for Iraqi workers to operate, to a farmers’ market that farmers cannot decide how to share, to a large American hospital closed immediately after it was handed over to Iraq because the government was unable to supply it with equipment, a medical staff or electricity. - 6 Comments

Obscenely Rich Bankers Claim to Do God's Work -- They Can Go to Hell

Nov 18, 2009 - "Repent," the preacher cried out, startling those who heard him. This was no street evangelist ranting at the passing crowd, but the archbishop of Canterbury, head of the Church of England. His sharp admonition was pointed directly at a particular set of sinners, who undoubtedly had never given any thought to the morality of their actions: the barons of global banking. - 2 Comments

Can You Really 'Tone' Your Body?

Nov 17, 2009 -   I really need to get toned up." I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard that. You've probably said it a million times...heck, I've said and I even know better. - 2 Comments

Beauty Class for Employees at Sochi Mayor's Office

Nov 16, 2009 - Millions of dollars are being poured into the Russian city of Sochi to get it ready to host the 2014 Winter Olympics. For the event, the city mayor’s office has introduced a beauty class for its female staff. For three summer months each year the city of Sochi turns into one of Russia’s most popular beach resorts. - 6 Comments

The Rationing Commission

Nov 16, 2009 - This is from the Wall Street Journal Link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703792304574504020025055040.html?mod=djemEditorialPage As usual, the most dangerous parts of ObamaCare aren't receiving the scrutiny they deserve—and one of the least examined is a new commission to tell Congress how to control health spending. Democrats are quietly attempting to impose a "global budget" on Medicare, with radical implications for U.S. medicine. - 13 Comments

FACT CHECK: Palin Goes Rogue on Some Details

Nov 13, 2009 - WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sarah Palin's new book reprises familiar claims from the 2008 presidential campaign that haven't become any truer over time. Ignoring substantial parts of her record if not the facts, she depicts herself as a frugal traveler on the taxpayer's dime, a reformer without ties to powerful interests and a politician roguishly indifferent to high ambition. Palin goes adrift, at times, on more contemporary issues, too. - 5 Comments

The Dunn Debacle: Is Anita Dunn?

Nov 12, 2009 - Anita Dunn has proven to be one of Obama’s greatest assets and now perhaps one of his greatest mishaps. As a campaign consultant she boasted boldly during a Jamaican interview that “Obama’s camp controlled the media, ALL the media” and still does today….well perhaps aside from FOX News.    As a Democratic strategist, communications consultant, and is a partner of Squier Knapp Dunn Communications, a Washington-based consulting firm, Anita Dunn has been most recently Obama’s /the White House’s communications chief. Recently she quietly stepped down from her post, resigning and is attempting to tip-toe out of the building and her past revelations which I assert will haunt her and her career in the future.    What is her future? - 2 Comments

Catholic Charities Threaten DC over Same Sex Bill

Nov 12, 2009 - The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington said Wednesday that it will be unable to continue the social service programs it runs for the District if the city doesn't change a proposed same-sex marriage law, a threat that could affect tens of thousands of people the church helps with adoption, homelessness and health care. Under the bill, headed for a D.C. Council vote next month, religious organizations would not be required to perform or make space available for same-sex weddings. - 34 Comments